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How Do YOU Define 'Access'?
The meaning of the words 'access' and 'accessibility' has expanded to
encompass so much more than we ever imagined at the beginning. Within
the new definition you’ll see that access is defined in relation to
environment, services, products, devices and universal design—check out
Wikipedia!
Did you know that Don Johnston Incorporated provided
individuals with physical disabilities the very first access to a
computer via the Adaptive Firmware Card? Or perhaps that Predict
It — later renamed Co:Writer — was the first word prediction available? Our
history is rich with revolutionary firsts and innovative accessibility
solutions.
Today though, accessibility takes on new shapes and forms as the technological possibilities of our times exponentially unfold. Still, our commitment remains steadfast. We still engineer the single most popular switch interface in the industry, the
Switch Interface Pro, and we still carry a vast array of the best switches, AAC software, cause-and-effect software, and alternate peripherals. But
we also continue to drive new faces of access—products and services that provide students access to information, to instruction, to concepts and to ideas—access to learning.
Yes, access has evolved immensely— doesn’t that make you feel as though we’ve somehow arrived? Unfortunately that feeling quickly fades because we (the royal we) haven’t made those strides yet with students who have learning disabilities and differences. We all know that the largest percentage of our students receiving special services do not have a physical disability. That stated, I ask you, are we as adamant about accommodating those learners with the tools and resources they need to develop their skill deficits? Our federal laws, particularly IDEA and FAPE, reinforce the responsibility we have to provide access to, and progress in, the general education curriculum—and we must do this in a timely manner. Response to Intervention further cements the need to remedy the old "wait to fail" model.
Accessible Instructional Materials
The laws enforcing the National Instructional Materials Accessibility Standard (NIMAS) have set in motion seismic shift with regard to providing students, who qualify under the Chafee amendment, alternative formats to printed texts. But did you know the language within IDEA specifically addresses our larger population of students, those with “other” print disabilities, too? So what’s the hold up? The conundrum regarding eTextbooks is the number one paradox of the 21st century and is mostly related to digital rights management, print-centric business models and distribution. This is new territory and will eventually get ironed out, but have you considered the fact that YOU hold the keys to how fast?
There is a wonderful aspect to being part of this momentous change—our ability to influence the outcome. Things will move faster the more you require from publishers and describe the usability scenarios that will work best for you and your students.
Securing accessible text from the publisher
Make sure to work with your curriculum director and district purchasing officer when ordering core curriculum materials. Publishers must provide materials in an accessible format for students who qualify for the Chafee copyright exemption amendment. When negotiating, your district should take steps to communicate with publishers that accessible instructional materials are required to meet the needs of students with print disabilities and preference will be given to publishers who offer accessible text as an option.
Also, when negotiating with publishers, you should add language to the contract that explicitly documents who qualifies to access these accessible formats. Remember, the language of IDEA states that “nothing relieves an SEA of its responsibility to ensure that children with disabilities who need instructional materials in accessible formats,” but are not included under the copyright exemption language.
Here’s some sample language you might use when purchasing your instructional materials:
"The publisher will provide or make available for purchase in lieu of the printed textbook a digital version (NIMAS and unlocked PDF) for students who are reading below grade level. If not available at this time, districts will seek a commercially available option. If no such option exists, an accessible version may be created by the district for the sole purpose of making the textbook accessible to eligible students in order to meet its obligation to provide a free appropriate public education (FAPE). In such cases, a standard copy of the textbook will also be purchased. The _______________ school district requires accessible instructional materials in order to meet the needs of students with print disabilities and those students reading below grade level. Preference will be given to publishers who offer versions textbooks in NIMAS and unlocked PDF formats as an option.
At Don Johnston we’re doing all we can to influence policy and drive use models that will quickly and seamlessly get digital text and alternative content onto the computer screens and portable readers of students who need it.
Get additional information regarding AIM and qualification laws:
Don Johnston’s Definition of Accessibility and Universal Learning Solutions:
Equitable and flexible access, no matter the physical or learning ability, for all learners.
Switch Interface Pro by Don Johnston
Still the single most popular switch interface in the industry
Read:OutLoud Bookshare.org
The internet-delivered text reader that is free to all Bookshare.org members!
Read:OutLoud Universal Access
The text reader that breaks the price barrier by providing unlimited access to digital files through whole-school licenses for as low as $339.50 per building!
ClassMate Reader by HumanWare
The revolutionary new portable text reader that builds students reading independence!
Simon S.I.O. and WordMaker
Research-based phonics instruction with single-switch scanning built in!
Start-to-Finish
Considerately written narrative and informational computer books that are tied to the Science, Social Studies and Language Arts curriculum with single-switch scanning built in!
MeVille to WeVille with Literacy Starters Program
A research-proven multi-year literacy curriculum paired with age-appropriate content for beginning readers with significant disabilities in grades K-5
